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XVIII : Silence Speaks
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด:
2025-02-05 20:42:38
บทที่เกี่ยวข้อง
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XIX : Too Familiar, Too Close
My tiny apartment was illuminated by the dim light of a study lamp while the sound of rustling pencils on paper filled the room. I sat on the floor with my legs crossed, leaning back against the sofa with a stack of books and an open laptop. The film theory course always immersed me in lengthy, exhausting analyses, but I had to finish it before the deadline.Beside me, Aaric sat on the carpet, half leaning back against the sofa, focused entirely on the television screen. His hands were nimbly moving the game controller, and his brow furrowed slightly as he pressed the buttons with incredible speed. The sounds of gunfire and sound effects from the game being played filled my tiny apartment, contrasting my study's silence. I glanced over at him, noticing how the tip of his tongue poked out slightly from his lips as he concentrated. Aaric might be known for being cold and severe out there, but in moments like this, he was just a man obsessed with games like a child."Why are you still
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-06Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XX : The Comeback Game
The night is getting late.The city lights of Los Angeles still glowed outside my apartment window, but my eyes were already getting heavy. I sat on the sofa, my body almost sinking into it, while my fingers lazily flipped through the pages of the script I'd been studying.My character in this movie wasn't easy to play. Her emotions were complex, and the betrayal she experienced was deep, and I had to make sure that I could convey it appropriately.However, the longer I tried to focus, the more the letters on the paper seemed to blur in my eyes.Across the room, Aaric sat casually in a chair, one hand playing with his phone while the other clutched a half-empty wine glass. He had finished the cheese omelet I had cooked for him and was now busy talking in a low voice on the phone.I didn't know who he was talking to, but from his calm but firm tone of voice, I could guess that it was something serious. Business.I let him do what he wants.I was too sleepy to care.I closed my manuscri
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-06Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXI : Lines Blurred, Again
The air inside the car felt cooler than the Los Angeles heat outside. I leaned my head against the window, letting the air conditioner wash over my slightly sweaty skin after a busy day of shifting schedules."I don't understand how you survive with such a busy schedule," Megan commented when she opened the lunch box and handed it to me.I accepted the box lazily, opened the lid, and sighed softly as the warm aroma of chicken katsu and sauce greeted my nose."I don't get it either," I muttered, taking a piece of chicken and popping it into my mouth.Megan chuckled. "At least eat before you pass out. I don't want to deal with Ashley if you collapse halfway through."I just mumbled in response, too tired to reply with anything longer.I let my mind drift momentarily while enjoying my lunch in the quietly moving car. I should feel satisfied with how things are going. A tight schedule means my career is back on track, but something inside my chest still feels... tight.The world kept spi
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-08Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXII : No Way Out
As soon as I sat in the passenger seat, I leaned my head against the window, ignoring how expensive the interior of this car was and how comfortable the seats were. I was too tired to think about anything, let alone engage Aaric in the usual verbal sparring.The car drove smoothly out of the studio area, the street lights of Los Angeles creating long shadows along the dashboard. For the first few minutes, Aaric didn't say anything. He just focused on the road with one hand on the steering wheel and the other resting casually on his armrest.I closed my eyes, hoping he would leave me alone for the rest of the road."Who is he?"But, of course, that was impossible.Aaric's voice is calm, but I could feel the hidden interest behind it.I opened my eyes slowly, glancing up at him. "Who?"He didn't answer immediately, but I could see how his jaw tightened slightly before he finally spoke again."The guy you were with."I blinked. I leaned back into the chair, looking at him calmly. "Daniel
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-09Stealing My Sister's Fiancee Defying the Devil
My heart beating fast, my breathing getting heavy.No, I won't.I will not stay here.I looked at Aaric, who was still standing calmly as if he knew I would take all this for granted. He was dead wrong.Without thinking, I turned around and started running towards the highway. My feet quickly hit the small cobblestone street, the coastal wind hitting my face, and my hair flew wildly. The highway was a bit far from here, but if I could be fast enough, I could call Megan or Ashley to pick me up.I heard footsteps behind me.Of course.I bit my lip, dashing even though my heels were stinging the skin on my feet. I knew Aaric. He wouldn't let anything get out of his control, and I had just done the thing he disliked the most. Defying him.His footsteps were getting closer.I had almost reached the end of this private road when something strong gripped my waist. I let out a small cry, my body lifted off the ground in an instant. "Let go of me!"He didn't answer.Within seconds, I was slung
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-10Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXIV : Don’t Tell Me What to Do
I stepped out of the room, not intending to dress up.I don't care.It's just dinner. In my house. Or, rather, the house that Aaric forced to be my house.So, I would dress as comfortably as possible, without caring if he liked it or not.I wore loose black boxers and an oversized T-shirt that fell past my thighs. My long, thick, brown hair was tangled up on top of my head, a few strands falling around my face, but I didn't bother to tidy it up.In addition, I wore round glasses that I rarely wore except when I was too lazy to put in contact lenses. My vision was a little myopic, and tonight, I chose not to try any more than necessary.With lazy steps, I descended to the first floor.This house is too big, and I haven't even explored everything yet. But at least I know where the kitchen and dining room are.When I arrived at the dining room, I found Aaric sitting there.He wore an expensive-looking black sweater and dark jeans that sat perfectly on his body. His usually neatly styled h
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-12Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXV : Bitter Coffee
The morning sunlight pierced through the cracks in the curtains, warming my skin and waking me up gently.I blinked, taking a long breath before finally reaching for my phone on the nightstand. The clock on the screen showed 8 am.And Aaric wasn't here.I didn't know if that was good or bad, but I didn't want to think about it now.I sat on the edge of the bed, letting my body adjust from the residual sleepiness that still hung around. Last night, after our argument at the dinner table, I chose to go to my room and go straight to bed.I was too tired to continue arguing about how he was trying to control me again. And, as it turned out, I could sleep well.Maybe it was because I was tired, or maybe it was because the air in this house differed from the air in my apartment, which was full of city noise.I got up slowly, walking towards the balcony directly connected to the bedroom. I opened the sliding glass door, and the breeze immediately greeted my face.I stare at the scenery in fr
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-12Stealing My Sister's Fiancee XXVI : The Art of Reinvention
B.U. Tower towers over the centre of Los Angeles' business district, its glittering glass reflecting the morning sun. The building is luxurious and sterile and feels so exclusive.When I stepped out of the elevator on the floor that was now my office, I was immediately greeted by a different energy.So many faces turned towards me, enthusiastic smiles that greeted me as soon as I entered.“Good morning, Miss de Cruz!”“Welcome back!”“Nice to see you here!”I held my breath for a moment.This was... different.I was used to walking into the management building, which had an awkward atmosphere. People avoided my gaze for fear of being dragged into my scandal, and I was used to the quiet whispers and fake smiles from people who doubted my future in the industry.But today? Everything changed.Cassandra, the head of management that Aaric had appointed to take care of me, walked over with quick yet elegant steps. The woman, as always, looked perfect. She wore a white blazer and black slac
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-04
บทล่าสุด
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee A Seat at the Table
Dinner on the main deck started promptly at seven.They even sent out little invitations to our cabins, like this was a small wedding, not a family vacation wrapped in pretense.The dinner table stretched long across the deck, covered in crisp white linen with a centerpiece of white flowers and tall, slender candles. Each place had a cushioned chair and a small name card tucked neatly above the plate.The waitstaff looked like they were serving dinner to senators.I showed up five minutes late. Just enough to signal disinterest, but not long enough to start a scene.“Yes, Maya’s sitting next to Marcus,” my mom said as I arrived, her voice cheerful but her eyes already issuing a warning before I could say a word.Of course.Marcus stood and pulled out my chair, polite as always. “You look great,” he said quietly as I sat down. “Santorini colors suit you.”I gave him a small smile. “Thanks.”Across the table, Mellan was sitting with Aaric, showing him photos on her phone, laughing, chat
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee The Weight I Wear
The room was spacious. Dark wood panels lined the walls, streaked with shiny gold accents, and the floor was covered in thick cream-colored carpet—too soft for shoes to tread on. Sheer white linen curtains danced in the ocean breeze, revealing an endless blue beyond the private balcony.I should have been grateful to be here.But all my body wanted to do was collapse.Ever since we boarded the yacht this afternoon, I hadn’t had a single second to just sit still without someone approaching me—family, guests, or people Mom had invited solely because their last names carried weight.“Maya! I’m a huge fan of Helena!”“You still look as gorgeous as ever. Are you filming something new?”“Is it true you and Marcus are still friends? You two are just perfect together.”All of it with wide smiles. All of them with eyes waiting for a slip. A crack. A weakness.And me?I smiled. I nodded. I recited the answers I’d memorized. “Thank you. Yes, we’re still close. Filming starts again next month.”T
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee I Packed a Smile and Left My Heart
The sky looked freshly washed from the night before. The morning air was still cool, the sun hadn’t turned harsh yet, and the street outside Aaric’s house felt too peaceful for a day I knew would slowly tear me apart.A black SUV had been waiting in front of the gate since 8:10.I walked down with a small suitcase, lips glossed just enough, sunglasses covering half my face, and a professional smile I’d been practicing in the mirror all morning. The same smile I used to wear for the press when I was with Marcus. Now I wore it for my own family.The car door opened.My mom sat inside, dressed in an ivory blazer and an expensive scarf wrapped too perfectly around her neck. Her eyes scanned me quickly, then she gave a small nod. No compliments, no critique. That meant: “acceptable.”Next to her, Dad was busy on his phone as always, giving a half-nod without even looking up.And in the backseat—someone who made my breath catch for just a second.Mellan.Her face was glowing. Her long hair
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVI : Half a Heart, Fully Sketched
The house had gone still. Even the waves sounded farther away than usual, as if intentionally giving space to the worries stacking quietly in my chest.An open suitcase sat on the bed. Summer dresses folded neatly. A straw hat. Leather sandals. Two bikinis I chose not because I planned to swim, but because I thought—that's just how it’s supposed to look. That’s how a woman should show up on a vacation with her younger sister’s fiancé’s family.Tonight, I wasn’t Maya. I was just… a prop in someone else’s story.I opened the drawer on the right side of the wardrobe, looking for sunscreen or maybe a light t-shirt—anything to fold, just to keep my hands busy. But the drawer stuck. I tugged a little harder… and as it opened, something slipped out from underneath.A dark brown leather notebook. The corners worn. No label. No name.My heart started pounding.I stared at the thing for a few seconds. It felt like stealing. But this was… my room too, wasn’t it? At least, by our agreement.My fi
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVIII —The Calm Before the Wreck
Morning came without a sound.I sat at the edge of the bed, wearing a thin T-shirt and sleep shorts, while the early sunlight slipped quietly through the gap in the curtains, casting strange patterns on the wooden floor.My phone buzzed on the nightstand. The screen lit up: Mom.I let out a reflexive sigh. Answering a call from my mother wasn’t just a conversation—it was like walking into a job interview without knowing what position you were applying for.I hit the green button.“Maya.”Her voice was cold and firm as always—no hello, no small talk.“Morning, Mom.”“I spoke to Mellan last night.”I straightened up, suddenly feeling like a little girl caught breaking the house rules.“Yeah?” I answered cautiously.“We’re going sailing next week. The Blackwood family’s private yacht. Summer vacation. We leave Monday. I want you to come.”I froze. “I have a shoot next week.”“I checked your schedule. Nothing that can’t be moved,” she said quickly, like she’d already planned this far in a
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVII — Too Close for Pretend
The coastal night air greeted me as the front door clicked shut behind me. My shoes tapped wearily against the wooden floor, and a moment later, I saw him.Aaric.Standing on the second-floor balcony, leaning against the glass railing, his silhouette tall and still under the soft, dim glow of the outdoor lights.The ocean stretched out behind him. Dark and calm. A stark contrast to the chaos inside my head.He didn’t say anything.But he looked at me.That look... deep, unhurried, like he was trying to etch the image of me into his memory.For a second, I wanted to go to him. Ask how he was after nearly dying last night. Make sure he wasn’t carrying any invisible wounds.But I didn’t move.Because I knew: the moment I made room for emotion, none of this would be about the deal anymore.Our arrangement was clear. I came to him when my reputation was in ruins, and he—with all his power and toxic influence—offered help. A house. Protection. Career support. In return, I had to stay here.
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXVI : You Look Better in Heartbreak Lighting
After an hour-long break, I was back on set. My hair was still slightly damp from the setting spray Amira had used, and my skin felt a little sticky from the fake tears that had been washed off and reapplied. But inside me, Helena’s pulse was still lingering.The shooting space was different this time—brighter, more open. We were on the dining room set. The next scene showed Helena finally coming home after disappearing for a few days, trying to act “normal” even though her world had just fallen apart.Daniel was already in his seat, wearing a soft cream sweater, his hair tousled like he’d just rolled out of bed. He was reading the script, marking up a few lines with a pencil, occasionally scribbling notes on facial expressions.I sat across the table and grabbed the hot coffee waiting for me. As I took a sip, I stared at the set in front of us: a long wooden table, two tea cups, and a vase of slightly wilted flowers. The props were perfect—just understated enough. Like Helena’s relat
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXV - Better Than Cashmere
The morning came slowly.Sunlight slipped through the gap in the curtains, brushing against my skin like warm fingers that weren’t quite ready to wake me up. The air in the room was still cold, but something kept me from moving.An arm around my waist. Heavy. Warm. Familiar.Aaric.Once again, he was holding me like I was the only thing keeping him from falling. Like my body was the anchor that kept him alive.I slowly opened my eyes and glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand. Almost seven. Still enough time before I had to get ready for the shoot. But my body didn’t want to move. Not yet.I thought I’d have trouble sleeping after last night—after the blood, the gunshots, and seeing the true face of Aaric’s world. But instead, I slept more soundly than I had in a long time.And that... was a problem.I took a deep breath and slowly peeled myself out of Aaric’s embrace. It wasn’t easy. He mumbled something in his sleep but didn’t wake up. His arm dropped onto the bed as I got u
Stealing My Sister's Fiancee LXXIV - Every Siren Sang Your Name
My eyes swept across the room, but there was too much movement. Too many shadows. People were hiding behind chairs, tables, thick columns like the one I was behind. I started moving—crouching low, my knees nearly touching the ground—toward the wall closest to the exit.And then I heard it.“Maya!”His voice.I turned and saw Aaric across the room, half running toward me. His body was slightly hunched, one hand gripping a weapon, the other pushing aside anyone in his way. His black suit was a mess—covered in dust, wine, maybe blood—I couldn’t tell for sure.Someone blocked his path. Another armed man, a stranger’s face, clearly not one of Aaric’s people.They fought. Not just with guns. But fists. Wrestling. Punches. Aaric slammed a fist into the man’s jaw, then drove his elbow into his neck, knocking him to the ground.He came toward me. “This way!” he shouted.I rose from my hiding spot, my legs feeling like they didn’t belong to me. He grabbed me just as gunfire tore through the spo
